As you probably know, London sits on the Thames Valley Basin, a low-lying region that holds water and this is bad news for London homes, as damp and mould are a very real threat. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to reduce the risk of damp and mould from attacking your home, which we discuss in this article.
Moisture rising from the ground
Perhaps the biggest threat to London properties is rising damp, moisture that rises up from the ground with capillary action, drawing up moisture into the brickwork, causing damage as it does so. How do you stop moisture from rising up the walls? Every building has what is known as a damp proof course, a thick strip of bitumen or plastic that sits between the lower courses of bricks, which prevents moisture from passing the barrier and damaging building materials. If the DPC is damaged, damp will affect the structure; it is only a matter of time before the tell-tale signs show. It is possible to inject a DPC chemical into a wall cavity, which prevents damp from attacking the structure. If you think that rising damp is present in your London home, contact London Damp Surveys and we will arrange for one of our surveyors to inspect the property.
Generate ventilation
Damp and mould thrive in still, humid conditions, so you should ensure that the air is always circulating, as this dries out the air, reducing the risk of damp and mould. The best way to generate airflow is to open a few windows, while you can also turn on extractor fans, if you have them. Indeed, you should install extractor fans in both the kitchen and bathroom, as they can dissipate condensation in a very short time. Mould cannot take hold in a ventilated space, so do make sure there is air circulation.
Dissipating condensation
Condensation forms when humid air meets cold surfaces and it can cause damage to plaster and timber; droplets of water will lead to interior wall damage, with peeling wallpaper and bubbling paint. Lack of ventilation encourages condensation to form, mix with excess humidity and you have the perfect environment for condensation.
Wet and dry rot
Older London properties tend to suffer from wet or dry rot; if you think that timber rot is present in your London home, call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 pr fill in the online form and one of our certified surveyors will be in touch shortly. Timber rot can spread very quickly, so don’t delay, call us today and set the ball rolling for a comprehensive timber rot survey.
Woodworm
There are several species of beetle that inhabit the UK; they burrow into damp timber and pay eggs and when they turn into larvae, they start to consume wood pulp and over time, these destructive insects can cause timber to decay.
It makes perfect sense to take a proactive approach when it comes to damp, mould and condensation and at London Damp Surveys, we are always ready to carry out a thorough damp survey in your home.
